Lyn Hasell has been a volunteer at Cardinia Casey Community Health Service for 10 years. 29994 Picture: Stewart Chambers
By Lia Bichel
FOR the past 10 years 70-year-old Lyn Hasell has dedicated dher time and energy as a volunteer at Cardinia Casey Community Health Service
After retiring as a nursing home cook, Mrs Hasell began volunteering so she could meet new people and keep herself busy.
She was forced to cut back her volunteer workload eight years ago, when she was diagnosed with lung cancer and had her lung removed; but Mrs Hasell still finds time to volunteer three days a week.
“Lyn is the type of person who embraces life,” health service volunteer co-ordinator Michele Foley said.
“I could never imagine her sitting around doing nothing.”
Every Monday and Thursday, Mrs Hasell joins other volunteers at the centre to help provide frail aged or disabled clients with a variety of activities and entertainment.
Every Wednesday, she volunteers at Vision Australia, and until recently, children read books to her to brush up on their literacy skills.
“I had to quit doing that because I found that I would almost have to make an appointment to see my husband,” she said.
Mrs Hasell said volunteering helped her form strong friendships with volunteers, staff and people who have used the services, and the social aspect has allowed her to break out of her shell.
“I used to be a lot more withdrawn because we never mingled much with the residents when I worked in the kitchen. I learned to join in on conversations, and I say my opinion. My husband and children have noticed that I am a lot more outspoken,” she said.
“I love it here. It’s become like a second family.”
Mrs Hasell said socialising was an important aspect of healthy living, and said volunteers are integral in allowing social activity at the centre to occur.
“We have about 30 volunteer but we are looking for more, especially ones with endorsed licenses who can drive a bus,” she said.
“Social connectedness is a greater determinant of someone’s health, more so than diet and exercise, and volunteers are an integral part of the planned activities at the centre. If we didn’t have volunteers, we couldn’t provide these activities.”
Anyone interested in volunteering with Cardinia Casey Community Health Service can contact Michele Foley on 5990 6290.
